Mabel Smith

Mrs. Smith was born Mabel Blanche Mullis on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1930, near Taylorsville, North Carolina, in Alexander County. The youngest child with four older brothers, Mabel spent much of her youth in Alexander County before moving with her family to Maysville, North Carolina, in Jones County. Mabel graduated from White Oak High School in Onslow County in 1947, when she would marry Clyde Henderson Smith of Swansboro after he returned from service in World War II.

Clyde and Mabel would remain married for the next 64 years until his passing in 2011. They would reside and raise their family in Greensboro, Reidsville and Laurinburg over the next 37 years before building their “dream home” on Davis Creek in Oak Island. Mr. and Mrs. Smith would live as residents of Oak Island for 27 years.

Mabel loved nature of all kinds and was an avid gardener and birdwatcher. For many years she maintained a saltwater aquarium in her Oak Island home, often stocking it with sealife she caught at home in Davis Creek.

She enjoyed reading, painting and music, and sang for many years in her church choir in Laurinburg. Mabel was an active community member, and her outspoken advocacy for safe bike paths along Oak Island Drive helped transform their beach community.

Surviving are three sons, Joe Smith and wife Karen of Stoneville, North Carolina, Dan Smith and wife Jennette of Chapin, South Carolina, and Michael Smith and wife Kate of Mooresville; 10 grandchildren, Leigh (Crystal), Blair, Brad (Christy), Ashley (Bryan), Gus (Laura), Emily (Chip), Jon Michael (LeAnn), McKenzie (Chase), Parker and Cole; 15 great-grandchildren, Quinn, Joseph, Ayden, Dylan, Zoe, Jack, Lily, Luke, Lauren, Eden, Sydney, Libby, Effie, Charlie and Isabella. Also surviving is Kendal Smith of Raleigh.

Services will take place on Tuesday, April 11, at 1 p.m. at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Home at 1411 North Howe Street in Southport. Burial will follow at Northwood Cemetery in Southport, where Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest next to her husband.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Friends Home of Guilford for their care and friendship over the past five years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice - Brunswick County Care Center, 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport.